Dance of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, which is present between Gujarat and Maharashtra are of various kinds, which portray the indigenous traditions and cultures of the part of India. Dances and music represent an integral portion of the lifestyles of the inhabitants of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Such dances are generally performed at the different fairs and festivals of this region. Dried vegetables and fruits, clay, gourd, wood and leather and bamboo are some of the materials which are employed to create the musical instruments.
Tarpa Dance
Practiced by the Koli, Kokna and Varli tribes, `Tarpa` is amongst the most attractive dance forms of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, especially at Silvassa. It is done by the men and women, at night, during the month of September, on Diwali, during the harvest season. The musical instrument called Tarpa is utilized during this dance form, which is made form palm leaves, bamboo and gourd.
Bhawada Dance
Bhawada Dance is performed by Kokna tribals and is a beautiful mask dance, particularly at night. Different sets of masks are used by the dancers of different villages. These masks can also be observed at the Tribal Museum at Silvassa, which is the most reputed place where these masks are found. The masks represent Hindu deities like Lord Ganesha, Panch Pandava, Ravana as well as tribal deities like Rangatai, Mhasoba and Kaloba.
Tur and Thali Dance
Tur and Thali dances are practiced by Dublas and Dhodis, particularly during weddings and some important festivals. It is quite popular in Silvassa. Thali is a metal dish which is beaten by the `thaliwallah` to accompany the music produced by the Tur which is a cylindrical, clay drum.
Dhol Dance
This type of dance is practiced by the menfolk of Kokna and Varli tribes accompanied by a `Dhol`. Songs are sung either in chorus or in solo, and the dancers of Dhol dance in such a way that they face the music accompanists. Human pyramids and acrobatics are effectively displayed at the Dhol Dance, which is performed during the harvest season.
Gheria Dance
Gheria Dance is a beautiful group dance which is done by Dubla tribesmen. The `Kavio` leads the dance and is clad in adorned headgear, `dhoti`, silk coat, with peacock feathers in their hands. The singers sing in chorus and the dancers carry a tiny stick in each of their hands, and they are said to dress in a similar manner to female Goddesses. A bamboo stick is held by the `Bagaliwala`.
